ArtisanArmy Ireland The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

W.B. Yeats

Biophilic Design – Case Studies

- Biophilia Hypothesis – Love of Living Systems

- Vitoria-Gasteiz – Capital of Basque Country

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Biophilia Hypothesis Love of Living Systems

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Biophilia HypothesisLove of life / Living Systems

The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems.

Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book, Biophilia (1984). He defines biophilia as "the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.” 

Biophilic Citiescontain abundant nature; that care about, seek to protect, restore & grow this nature, & that strive to foster deep connections & daily contact with the natural world. Nature is not something optional, but absolutely essential to living a happy, healthy and meaningful life. 

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Biophilic Cities ProjectElements of a deeper concept of integrating nature into everyday living

Important Ties to Place. Considerable place-strengthening benefits from knowledge of local nature; from direct personal contact; enhanced knowledge, & deeper connections resulting in greater stewardship, & willingness to take personal actions on behalf of place and home.

Connections & Connectedness. Caring for place & environment, essential for human wellbeing and in turn essential ingredient in caring for each other.

A Need for Wonder & Awe in Our Lives. Nature has the potential to amaze us, stimulate us, propel us forward to want to learn more and understand more fully our world; Nature adds a kind of wonder value to our lives unlike almost anything else.

Meaningful Lives Require Nature. The qualities of wonder and fascination, the ability to nurture deep personal connection & involvement, visceral engagement in something larger than & outside oneself, offer the potential for meaning in life few other things can provide.

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What is a Biophilic City?Key Qualities of Biophilic Cities

• Abundant nature in close proximity to large urban population centres; are bio-diverse & value, protect & actively restore this biodiversity

• Residents feel a deep affinity with the unique flora, fauna & fungi. Residents can easily recognize common species of trees, flowers, insects birds (& in turn care deeply about them)

• Provide abundant opportunities to be outside & to enjoy nature through strolling, hiking, bicycling, exploring

• Rich multisensory environments, where the sounds of nature (& other sensory experiences) are as appreciated as much as the visual experience

• place importance on education about nature & biodiversity, & on providing many & varied opportunities to learn about & directly experience nature

• invest in the social & physical infrastructure that helps to bring people in closer connection & understanding of nature

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Vitoria-Gasteiz 2012 EU Green Capital City

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Vitoria-Gasteiz – Basque Country2012 EU Green Capital City

Victoria-Gasteiz has worked hard to strengthen its walkable urban core fostering a strolling culture with tremendous access to nature & countryside.

Renowned for its Green Belt that encircles the entire city it is now working on new ways to bring nature into the heart of the city. The interior green belt.

90% of residents live within 300m of green spaces & public services

Green areas also have an educational purpose: the community gardens, enable the population to study horticulture at close range.

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Birmingham 2012

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BirminghamGreen Living Spaces Plan 7 Green Living Spaces Principles:

VisionA leading green city helping to create prosperity, fairness & good health linking the issues of climate change, public health & spatial planning.UK’s first “Natural Capital City”

• An Adapted City

Future growth / green roofs & walls / trees for cooling

• Blue Network

Integrated SUDS / recreational network / blue corridor

• Healthy City

Integrate health & green spaces / public health partner

• Productive Landscapes

Allotments / community orchards / urban forestry

• Greenways

walkable & cyclable neighbourhoods / link healthcare

• Ecosystems

Adopt an ecosystem services approach

• Green Living Spaces

Work with commercial partners on green economy.